008 – They Came from Outer Space!

Are aliens from another planet visiting Earth? Astronomer and science writer Dr. Phil Plait seems a bit skeptical. In our discussion with Dr. Phil we cover a lot of interesting ideas including:

• ALH84001 — what is it and does it prove aliens have come to Earth?
• The role of extremophiles in the development of life on Earth?
• The ratio of isotopes within a sample can tell us its origin — and what would we expect to see in an extraterrestrial sample?
• Do amateur astronomers see more UFOs than average people?

Plus Dr. Plait tells us about his favorite monsters, favorite movies, and favorite paperback.

Music

• Introductory background music: Alien Alchemy by Man Manly
• MonsterTalk theme: Monster by Peach Stealing Monkeys

Episode Transcript

Read a complete transcript of this episode